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Visiting the shrine dedicated to divine protection for merchants |
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The Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine is dedicated to the god of learning, Crown Prince Sugawara-no-Michizane, but it is also popular for promoting commercial prosperity. The Nishiki water comes from a well on the shrine grounds, and there is a statue of a cow known as the "Petting Cow" said to bring success in one’s studies if you pat the cow on its head, so the shrine is always full of visitors.
A variety of charms are available at the shrine, and for the year 2011, a Hello Kitty mascot charm based on the zodiac sign for a rabbit has been announced. There is also a mechanical Lion-dance fortune telling lottery at the shrine, so it’s an excellent opportunity to have your fortune told for the coming year.
The shrine has extended entrance times from New Year's Eve until 1:00 AM on New Year's Day, and it opens again at 7:00 AM on the same day. Of course, Nishiki Market is close by, not to mention several department stores, so the shrine is conveniently located for prayers for success and ability in business if you are heading downtown for the New Year sales.
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| Hanging lanterns at the Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine |
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| The front shrine |
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